Norovirus: help stop the spread this winter

Local
doctors are encouraging people to help stop the spread of norovirus this
winter, by taking simple steps to avoid infection and staying away from health
and care settings if you have symptoms.

Norovirus
is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea, it’s often referred to as
a ‘winter vomiting bug’. It’s one of the most common stomach bugs in the UK.

The
virus normally appears during the colder winter months and is highly
contagious.

Dr Jonathan Hayes,
local GP and Clinical Chair at Bristol, North
Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

“There
is no vaccine or immediate treatment for norovirus – prevention is the best
form of defence. One of the best ways to protect against norovirus is by
practicing good hygiene. This includes thorough hand washing with soap and warm
water after using the toilet and before eating or preparing foods.

“Most people will make a full recovery
within a couple of days but it is important to drink plenty of fluids during
that time to prevent dehydration especially in the very young, elderly or those
with weakened immunity.

“Also, if
you are experiencing symptoms of norovirus please don’t visit hospitals, GP
surgeries or care homes. The impact can be huge if you spread norovirus – not
just on vulnerable patients who are already unwell but on the availability of
beds for other people.”

Norovirus
can live on hard surfaces for hours and spreads very quickly through
environments where lots of people are mingling closely, such as schools and
nurseries. The best way to protect yourself and others from catching this
unpleasant sickness bug is to wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and
soap, and to keep the environment you live and work in clean.

Alcohol
or antibacterial hand sanitisers are a popular choice for people wanting to
protect themselves from the bugs that circulate during winter, causing
illnesses such as norovirus. However what most people don’t know is that hand
sanitisers are not an effective protection against this common sickness bug.

The #ThinkNoro public health campaign advises:

N No visits
to hospitals, care homes and GP surgeries if you are suffering from symptoms of
Norovirus - send someone else to visit loved ones until you are better

O Once you’ve
been symptom-free for at least 48 hours, you’re safe to return to work,
school or visit hospitals and care home

R Regularly
wash your hands with soap and warm water, especially after using the
toilet, and before eating or preparing food